Planning Your Detox Program

It's important to process toxins out gradually by improving your diet and making use of a number of techniques before starting your detox program. This includes supplying your body with the nutrients and supplements that your liver needs to change these toxins into new substances that can be excreted via the colon, kidneys and skin. Here are some guidelines for planning and preparing for your detox program.

Preparing for Your Detox

Preparation for your detox program is very highly recommended, especially if your body is feeling toxic or you are in a fragile health condition. If you detox too vigorously to too quickly, you will experience more serious side-effects when all the toxins stored in your body re-enter the bloodstream. The side-effects associated with detox programs (jittery nerves, racing pulse, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, sinus congestion, bad breath, body odor, skin eruptions) should by all means be prevented. If your detox program is a horrible experience, it can be traced to a lack of planning and preparation.

Here are basic ways you can prepare yourself for your detox program:

Timing. Give some thought to when you will start and end your detox. Ideally, it is good to schedule it during a time when daily stressors are at a minimum. If you do not have that luxury, you can schedule your detox so that the midpoint (days 3 and 4 of a 7-day detox, for example), fall on a weekend or during a time when you can keep your activity level low. Time of year is an important consideration. Those who live in cold climates are advised to avoid a detox program during the winter months. 

Drink more water. Water and juices are the vehicles of cellular purification and body cleansing. Many illnesses and diseases are associated with dehydration. It is under-reported in the mainstream media: if you do nothing else for your health, drink more water. Try for 3 quarts to one gallon a day. Sodas and caffienated drinks do not count. If you abhor plain water, add a little natural fruit juice (papaya nectar is excellent) or half a pack of Emergency vitamin C powder to your glass of water.

Get more exercise. This applies to the majority of us who do not move enough during our day. Regular physical activity is essential to detoxification because they augment the circulation of blood and lymph in the body. Aim for at least some exercise that works up a sweat. An average of 15 minutes of brisk walking a day is a good minimum to keep in mind.

Choose your detox program. Before your start a detox program, decide what your specific detox need are. Consider if there is there a certain organ system you want to target, how long will you detox and how you will detox. See How to Detox, Body Detox and Detox Methods.

Plan your detox menu. The fruits and vegetables you choose to include in your detox program should be considered in light of the type of detox program you've chosen as well as specific health problems you may want to address. If you are doing a kidney cleanse, for example, there are fruits and vegetables that are most appropriate for kidney support. See Healing Properties of Fruits and Vegetables.